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The type I interferon receptor is not required for protection in the Chlamydia muridarum and HSV-2 murine super-infection model.
- Source :
-
Pathogens & Disease . Nov2018, Vol. 76 Issue 8, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. 3 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Chlamydia trachomatis /HSV-2 vaginal co-infections are seen clinically, suggesting that these sexually transmitted pathogens may interact. We previously established an intravaginal Chlamydia muridarum /HSV-2 super-infection model and observed that chlamydial pre-infection protects mice from a subsequent lethal HSV-2 challenge. However, the mechanism of protection remains unknown. The type I interferon, IFN-β, binds to the type I interferon receptor (IFNR), elicits a host cellular antiviral response and inhibits HSV replication in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies have demonstrated that C. muridarum infection stimulates genital tract (GT) IFN-β production; therefore, we hypothesized that chlamydial pre-infection protects mice from HSV-2 challenge via the IFN-β/IFNR-induced antiviral response. To test this prediction, we quantified IFN-β levels in vaginal swab samples. Detection of IFN-β in C. muridarum singly infected, but not in mock-infected animals, prompted the use of the super-infection model in IFNR knockout (IFNR−/−) mice. We observed that C. muridarum pre-infection reduces HSV-2-induced mortality by 40% in wild-type mice and by 60% IFNR−/− mice. Severity of HSV-2 disease symptoms and viral shedding was also similarly reduced by C. muridarum pre-infection. These data indicate that, while chlamydial infection induces GT production of IFN-β, type I IFN-induced antiviral responses are likely not required for the observed protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2049632X
- Volume :
- 76
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Pathogens & Disease
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 133783302
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/femspd/fty075